Phebalium squamulosum (scaly phebalium)

Japanese name: フェバリウム スクアムロスム
Scientific name: Phebalium squamulosum

[Overview]
An evergreen shrub 3 m tall; in its native range it sometimes becomes a small tree about 7 m tall with a slender form.
The branches are covered with rust-colored scales.
The leaves are simple and alternate, linear to ovate, 0.7–7 cm long and 0.1–0.8 cm wide, often strongly rolled toward the underside into a rod shape.
The upper surface of the leaf is green or grayish with scales, and more or less glossy.
The underside is covered with silvery to rust-colored scales and stellate hairs.
The leaf margin is entire, or sometimes has small rounded serrations.
Umbels at the tips of the twigs bear about 5–10 flowers.
The flowers are five-petaled, pale yellow to bright yellow, 0.5–1 cm across, with stamens protruding out of the flower.
The outside of the petals is covered with silvery to rust-colored scales, so the buds are brown.
The fruit is an erect follicle about 3.5 mm long.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It can overwinter outdoors in regions without frost.
It prefers a sunny, airy site with well-drained soil, and dislikes heat, humidity and cold winter winds.
Take care not to overwater; for potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, and for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
During long rainy spells, move potted plants to a place out of the rain.
Light fertilizing is enough and it is not particularly needed for plants in the ground, but for potted plants, watch their condition and apply a small amount of slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil in spring and autumn.
Flower buds form in summer, so if pruning, finish as soon as possible after flowering.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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